Originally Posted by
tony2x
Surely AS aren't that worried given the pax loads on the SEA routes? Or are they beginning to see those little Virgins eat into their core market and are trying to figure out ways to stymie them?
I suspect that this will be a common response from <<insert domestic carrier name here>> whenever VX turns up on their doorstep with their purple mood lighting and proper IFE.
I think a lot of it has to do with playing the game. VX spent all that time trying to keep their financials secret. Now AS is going to make sure that all their money is legit. Regardless of how many competing routes they have, VX cannot have an unfair advantage by breaking the rules.
There has been recent news that two of VX's investors are talking about pulling out. If that happens, they would be way over the foreign ownership limits. AS is just making sure everyone keeps an eye on them so they don't violate any laws. Otherwise you might as well let everyone take money from foreign investors. It's all in fairness in competition. If you think it is only because AS feels "threatened" then that's too bad. There is a reason every airline cried foul when VX tried to start up with foreign investments and their start was delayed....if nobody else gets to do it, why do they?